“Padre For Life”
“Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world, and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.” ~ Roberto Clemente
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There are many sports teams and their owners and management that get a bad rap (and in some cases, rightly so), but from time to time they get it right. In those times, it should be highlighted. Today is one of those times.
In 1993, the San Diego Padres used their second-round draft slot on an El Capitan High School left-handed pitcher by the name of Matt LaChappa. He began his minor league career that year with the Arizona League Padres, moved up to Class A ball in 1994 pitching for the Springfield Sultans, and in 1995 he was promoted to Class A-Advanced with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes where he won 11 games that season.
In 1996, he was still with the Quakes. LaChappa was warming up in the bullpen as a relief pitcher on April 6th when he unexpectedly collapsed, suffering a heart attack. The Quakes athletic trainer performed CPR for 20 minutes and then Matt was rushed to the hospital where he suffered a second heart attack. The doctors diagnosed his condition as Cardiomyopathy, which affects the heart’s ability to pump the blood properly. He had lapsed into a six-month long coma. He survived, but due to the lack of oxygen for the prolonged period he suffered brain damage. Since then, he has been confined to a wheelchair due to his difficulty in moving, he has had speech issues, and some mental disabilities. His career was over and his future bleak.
It was then that the Padres’ director of minor league operations, Pricilla Oppenheimer made the decision to sign Matt to a rookie minor league contact contract for the next 30 years. He has the funds to cover his living expenses and health insurance. LaChappa lives with his family at the Barona Indian Reservation. The Padres did the right thing. They also were instrumental is getting a little league field in Lakeside, California named after him. Additionally, a Matt LaChappa Athletic Scholarship has been established for students to assist in their college education.
On another note, Chet Lemon passed away today at the age of 70 peacefully at his home in Apopka, Florida. Lemon had Polycythemia Vera, a blood disorder which caused him to have a series of strokes, which left him unable to walk or speak. He was a fine outfielder for the Chicago White Sox (1975-1981) and the Detroit Tigers (1982-1990). He was a 3-time All-Star and was a member of Detroit’s World Series Championship team of 1984. He was an exciting player and a fan favourite.
On yet another note, 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He has adopted the name, Pope Leo XIV. He is the first Catholic Pope from America. He is from the Chicago area and grew up a White Sox fan. Long may he lead.
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This was an interesting post! The Padres certainly did take care of LaChappa! It truly made a difference in his life to be free of worries on health care, etc. What a nice thing to name a little league field after him and a scholarship fund for future students.
Sad that Chet Lemon passed away! He had an unfortunate life with his blood condition causing him several strokes! R.I.P.
Congratulations to Robert Francis Prevost, elected as our new Pope. May he, Pope Leo XIV be blessed with a long life and doing positive works for the Church and humanity!